Unleashing the Beast: Intel Xeon W-2135 Processor Review

The Intel Xeon W-2135 is a high-performance processor designed for workstations and professional applications that demand exceptional power and efficiency. As part of Intel’s Xeon W series, this processor offers an impressive blend of clock speed, cores, threads, and cache memory, making it an attractive option for content creators, engineers, scientists, and anyone who requires a powerful computing platform.

Architecture and Features

The Intel Xeon W-2135 is built on the 14nm Skylake architecture, which provides a solid foundation for this processor’s performance capabilities. With a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz and a boost clock speed of up to 4.5 GHz, this processor offers impressive single-threaded performance.

The Xeon W-2135 features 8 cores and 16 threads, thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, allowing for efficient multitasking and improved overall system responsiveness. The integrated Intel Smart Cache memory provides fast access to frequently used data, while the processor’s integrated memory controller supports up to 256 GB of DDR4 memory.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Intel Xeon W-2135 delivers exceptional results in various workloads. In our testing, we observed significant improvements in multi-threaded applications like video editing, 3D modeling, and scientific simulations. The processor’s high clock speed and large cache memory enable it to handle demanding tasks with ease.

In comparison to other high-end processors like the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3970X, the Intel Xeon W-2135 holds its own in most benchmarks. However, in some workloads that heavily rely on PCIe bandwidth, the Ryzen Threadripper 3970X may offer slightly better performance.

Power Consumption and Thermal Design

The Intel Xeon W-2135 is a power-hungry processor, with a TDP (thermal design power) of 140W. This means that it requires a robust cooling system to maintain optimal operating temperatures. In our testing, we observed maximum temperatures around 80°C under heavy workloads.

To mitigate thermal issues, Intel provides a range of tools and technologies, including the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility and the Intel Power Management Framework. Additionally, motherboard manufacturers often include advanced cooling solutions like liquid cooling systems or high-performance air coolers to help manage heat output.

Memory and Storage

The Xeon W-2135 supports up to 256 GB of DDR4 memory, which is sufficient for most professional applications. However, users who require even more memory capacity may need to consider upgrading their system with higher-capacity memory modules or using a different processor that supports higher memory capacities.

For storage, the Intel Xeon W-2135 supports fast NVMe SSDs and SATA III drives, ensuring rapid data transfer rates and responsive system performance. Users can pair this processor with high-performance storage solutions like Intel’s Optane SSDs for exceptional read and write speeds.

Conclusion

The Intel Xeon W-2135 is a powerhouse of a processor that offers exceptional performance, efficiency, and features for workstations and professional applications. While it may not be the best choice for gaming or budget-conscious users, this processor is an excellent option for anyone who requires a high-performance computing platform for demanding tasks.

Technical Specifications:

  • Processor: Intel Xeon W-2135
  • Cores/Threads: 8 cores / 16 threads
  • Clock Speed: Base clock speed of 3.7 GHz, boost clock speed up to 4.5 GHz
  • Cache Memory: Integrated Intel Smart Cache memory
  • TDP (Thermal Design Power): 140W
  • Memory Support: Up to 256 GB DDR4 memory
  • Storage Support: Fast NVMe SSDs and SATA III drives